With all this talk of fiscal responsibility and how the cap requires the Cowboys to make moves that are good for their future, one could get the impression that this team is rebuilding.

Don't use that word around owner Jerry Jones.

"Not at all,'' he said. "Not at all. You don't rebuild with Tony Romo.

"The firepower we have on offense and where we are with our running backs, and our receivers…you don't rebuild with an offense that's got the capability we've got. We didn't bring (Scott) Linehan in here to rebuild.

"We're not rebuilding. We are, by necessity, having to revamp the defensive line.''

This revamp is taking place with an eye toward youth and less expensive options than were in place before.

"We think we're in good shape to compete for the most part, on offense,'' Jones said. "Can we play better defensively?

"I think we were ranked last on defense or next to last according to which criteria you want to use. If we can go 8-8 and be last, if we can move that up to the middle of the pack, we might be able to advance on into the playoffs.''

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